Throughout classical antiquity, origin stories were told across
the ancient world in many different ways: through poetry, prose,
monumental and decorative arts, and performance in civic and
religious rituals. Foundation myths, particularly those about the
beginnings of cities and societies, played an important role in the
dynamics of identity construction and in the negotiation of
diplomatic relationships between communities. Yet many ancient
communities had not one but several foundation myths, offering
alternative visions and interpretations of their collective
origins.Seeking to explain this plurality, "Foundation Myths in
Ancient Societies" explores origin stories from a range of
classical and ancient societies, covering both a broad
chronological span (from Greek colonies to the high Roman empire)
and a wide geographical area (from the central Mediterranean to
central Asia). Contributors explore the reasons why several
different, sometimes contradictory myths might coexist or even
coevolve. Collectively, the chapters suggest that the ambiguity and
dissonance of multiple foundation myths can sometimes be more
meaningful than a single coherent origin narrative. "Foundation
Myths in Ancient Societies" argues for a both/and approach to
foundation myths, laying a framework for understanding them in
dialogue with each other and within a wider mythic context, as part
of a wider discourse of origins.Contributors Lieve Donnellan,
Alfred Hirt, Naoise Mac Sweeney, Rachel Mairs, Irad Malkin, Daniel
Ogden, Robin Osborne, Michael Squire, Susanne Turner.
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